DIY Magnetic Knife Holder – A Simple, Stylish Kitchen Upgrade

If you’ve ever fumbled through a messy kitchen drawer searching for the right knife, a magnetic knife holder is the solution you need. Not only does it keep your knives within easy reach, but it also protects the blades from dulling and adds a sleek, modern touch to your kitchen.

The best part? You can make one yourself using just a flat piece of wood and some hidden magnets. This project is easy, beginner-friendly, and requires minimal tools.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Choose the Right Wood for Your Knife Holder

A solid slab of hardwood will provide durability and aesthetic appeal. Popular choices include:

🪵 Cherry – Warm tones with a smooth grain.
🪵 Walnut – Dark and rich, for a bold kitchen accent.
🪵 Maple – Light and clean-looking, great for modern spaces.

💡 Wood Fact: Walnut and cherry are naturally antimicrobial, helping to keep bacteria from spreading on kitchen surfaces.

Step 2: Mark & Drill for Magnets

This step is crucial because you want your magnets strong enough to hold knives securely, but not too strong that they snap against the wood.

✔ Use a Forstner bit or spade bit slightly larger than your rare-earth magnets.
✔ Mark your depth on the drill bit with masking tape—this prevents drilling all the way through the wood.
✔ Space magnets evenly, around 2 inches apart, depending on the size of your board.

🔹 Pro Tip: Drill from the backside of the wood to keep the front face smooth and unblemished.

Step 3: Secure the Magnets

Once you’ve drilled the holes, it’s time to install the magnets.

🧲 Press-fit the magnets into the holes—if they fit snugly, no adhesive is needed.
🧲 If they’re slightly loose, use hot glue or epoxy to keep them secure.
🧲 Ensure all magnets are facing the same polarity—otherwise, they won’t attract properly.

💡 Wood Fact: Neodymium rare-earth magnets are so powerful that they can hold even heavier chef’s knives without slipping.

Step 4: Mounting Your Knife Rack to the Wall

You’ve built your knife rack—now let’s put it up!

✔ Screw through the front into wall anchors or studs for maximum stability.
✔ If you want a floating look, use keyhole hangers or French cleats on the back.
✔ Double-check the magnet strength—test with a few knives before loading up your full collection.

🔹 Pro Tip: Mount the rack at eye level for easy access while cooking.

Enjoy Your Sleek New Magnetic Knife Holder

Now that your DIY wooden knife holder is complete, you’ll never have to dig through cluttered drawers again. Not only does it showcase your best knives, but it also keeps them sharp, organized, and easily accessible.

If you love working with solid hardwood, check out our handcrafted kitchen goods for more beautiful, functional wooden pieces designed to last a lifetime.